PDFs are one of the most common document formats. To read PDFs, you need a PDF reader. There are tons of PDF readers out there. What to know the best free one? You have come to the right place!

All of the programs reviewed here are capable of rendering the actual text in a PDF file quite well, but what sets a PDF reader apart from the competition are additional features such as tabbed browsing and annotations in addition to basic features such as searching for words, magnifying text and different types of navigation tools such as the hand tool and the select tool. Consequently these additional features are what will be mainly focused on in this review.

Most of you out there will only require a PDF reader to simply display text and might even question some of the extra (maybe even extravagant) features reviewed here today but for those of us who will do everything from replace text, fill out forms and sign documents digitally, take note! Below are the best free PDF readers out there for Windows. All of these programs are great as you will see and each one of them has its strengths hence why I have more than one of them installed on my PC.

[Note: The sections labelled “Approximate Memory Usage When Idle” are just as they suggest — estimates — and usage WILL vary from user to user and PDF to PDF.]

Best Free PDF Reader

Read out loud option (allows you to have text read to you if for some reason you have to be away from the computer screen or if you are just multi-tasking)

Multiple ways of displaying documents:

Multi-tab browsing (allows for the opening of several files in a single instance of the program)

Single document interface mode (each opened file is opened in a new window)

Multiple document interface (multiple documents are opened using multiple windows which are grouped under a single parent window)

DocuSign® integration

Social media integration (Foxit allows users to login to their Facebook or Twitter accounts and then select text from a PDF document and share it on either network. Users can also share PDF documents via links on these networks.)

Comes bundled with crapware (Ask Toolbar) during installation. Be sure to uncheck the relevant boxes to avoid installing Ask Toolbar.

Has some nagging messages in the program to install/upgrade to other components

Discussion

Foxit Reader is both lightweight and powerful. Seriously, it loads in a jiffy.

The first thing you will notice is the well laid out user interface of Foxit reader. Added to that, you can also customize the program to further suit your liking. The options available for customization are as follows:

Ability to change between tabbed and classic toolbar mode. (With the tabbed toolbar mode the menu categories are laid out in a segmented fashion. You will find the relevant icons under tabs such as ‘Basic’, ‘View’ and ‘Edit’. With the classic toolbar mode the menus are in the classic list form where you just click a menu and see a list of available options.)

Ability to change skins and customize toolbars. (Changing skins basically allows for the changing of the colour scheme of the program. Customizing toolbars allow users to rearrange menu items such as the ‘open’ and ‘save as’ options.)

Several methods for displaying text (continuous, single page, facing or continuous-facing) are available with Foxit Reader. With the continuous and single page options, pages are displayed vertically while with the facing options pages are displayed side by side as well as vertically. There are also options for both replacing text and even adding text. Users can use the replace text option or the insert text option or even add a text box or use the typewriter option in order to carry out any needed additions or corrections. Users also have the facility of striking out text, highlighting it and underlining it. Conveniently users can also draw free hand shapes or choose from a list of predetermined shapes such as simple lines or ovals and polygons to name a few. If it is required, users can also user Foxit Reader to take a snapshot of a body of text in a PDF document which can then be copied from the clipboard to any desired location.

Along with bookmarks, several other powerful options are available:

Insertion of media such as images and even video

Links can be inserted

Ability to share via facebook or twitter (You can add a suitable message or post to your wall or a group wall with Facebook. With twitter you can choose to share the link publicly or send it as a direct message. With both services you can login directly from the program.)

Share via email

Javascript actions

Users can replace document colors (both background and text)

Addition of notes/comments

Attach any file type to the document

Sign documents using the DocuSign® service

Measuring tools are also available for the measuring of the distance, perimeter or area of objects in a document

Hyperlinks can also be easily added

The feature set available with Foxit Reader was definitely surprising the first time I ever used it and users have access to the most advanced features without paying a dime. The only issue I had with this program is that it did not allow for the creation of PDF files.

If you need to make use of powerful PDF editing capabilities, you should definitely consider Foxit reader as it offers a ton of features but yet it is still easy to understand how to use it.

PDF-XChange Viewer is another free powerhouse and it was honestly a close tossup in choosing between it and Foxit Reader for the number one spot.

XChange Viewer’s GUI is quite similar to that found in Foxit Reader when it is used in the classic toolbar mode, so users (like me) using both programs should have no problems switching between the 2 programs. XChange Viewer allows for tabbed browsing; this is practically a hallmark of a great PDF reader and provides several options for customising the user interface:

The font of the menu and toolbars can be customised

The common UI-font can be customised

The colors of the text used in documents can be changed

The background color can be altered

The color used to highlight and select text can also be altered

Also expected of a great PDF reader, users can make their own adjustments to the text already found in their PDFs. Users can add comments and sticky notes to files as well as highlight, strike out or underline text. You can even add your own text to documents directly or through some form of text box. Various shapes such as ovals or rectangles can be added to documents as well. Just as in Foxit Reader, measuring tools are also available allowing for the measurement the distance, perimeter or area of objects in a document. There is also a snapshot tool, allowing users to take a snapshot of a desired body of text. Conveniently, documents can also be emailed from directly within the program.

Searches can be carried out through a search provider of your choice such as Google or Bing from directly with the program

Easily add hyperlinks to documents

Allows for the filling out of non-interative forms with they typewriter function but I am not quite sure if interactive forms are supported

I know what you are thinking already! How can this brilliant program be number two! Firstly, just let me say that it can not create PDFs (“But neither can Foxit Reader William!” is what I can hear you saying). However, there is also the lack of support for digital signatures without having the Pro version. This is becoming increasingly important in today’s world and in fact major contracts are signed using digital signatures. Moreover, the support for adding media such as images and video found in Foxit Reader is not present with this offering.

Honestly most of us will not even use the digital signature functionality or even add images or videos to our PDFs but the fact remains that Foxit Reader supports it while PDF-XChange Viewer does not. Neglecting this, both are excellent programs and are highly recommended.

Nitro PDF is a simple, well laid out program which should satisfy the needs of most users.

The interface of Nitro PDF is similar to that of Foxit Reader when it (Foxit) is used in toolbar mode. It also allows for tabbed browsing. Nitro PDF’s strength comes in its conversion capabilities. Users can create a PDF document from a file, drag and drop a document which is desired to be converted to a PDF into the main window of the program or onto the desktop icon or just use the print option from any already installed program as on installation of Nitro PDF Reader, the program is installed as a virtual printer allowing for example a .DOC file to be ‘printed’ to PDF format. Conversely, users can choose to convert a PDF file to an easily editable plain text file or extract images found in a PDF file and save them as individual files.

Users are also given a choice of how to select text for copying to the clipboard. Users can either copy the text characters or simply take a snapshot of a selected body of text. Users can highlight text, crossout text or underline text. Provision is also made for the addition of text. Comments can be added as well as sticky notes.

Additionally users can sign and return documents quickly using QuickSign™. Documents can be returned to the sender using the default mail client. This functionality can be accessed directly from the File menu. Users can also “fill, save, and submit any PDF form, including AcroForms™, and static or scanned forms, using Type Text”.

This may sound lame but Nitro PDF Reader has quite the extensive help database. Users have several options for improving their experience of using Nitro in one form or the other. Access is given to:

A user guide

A learning center

A knowledge base

Users can also:

Ask a question

Share an idea

Report a problem

Access support tools

Check for updates

View information about the program or find out about upgrading to the Pro version of Nitro PDF

If you are having any difficulties using this already simple program, it is clear that your questions will be easily answered.

Take note that this program is not capable of adding media such as images and video to PDF files. Also document signing is allowed through QuickSign™ system but this is not the global standard for electronic signature while ‘Docusign’ is. Additionally users must physically write out their signature with Quicksign™ while DocuSign® allows for signatures to be digitally made. Generally an excellent program especially because of it’s PDF creation capabilities, Nitro PDF reader simply does not allow users to edit text to the degree that the previous two offerings do.

This program however, is still highly recommended as it is one of the best out there for reading and creating PDF files.

It is very straightforward to use and gives users just the bare minimum needed to view files minus features such as adding comments or adding and replacing text. Also Sumatra PDF is capable of viewing the following file formats: PDF, ePub, MOBI, CHM, XPS, DjVu, CBZ, CBR.

Sumatra PDF is the program to use if you just want to read a PDF so it may come in handy for reading literature such as novels. It also allows for the viewing of more exotic formats which the other offerings don’t allow. (I know this review is about PDF readers, but I’m just saying…) Plus it has a totally portable version, so you don’t even have to install it.

While ranking Sumatra PDF as #4 may make it sound like a bad program, the reality is Sumatra PDF is still a very good and viable PDF reader. Some may even consider it better than others.

Honorable Mention 3

Adobe Reader is the pioneer when it comes to PDF reading simply because its developer, Adobe Systems, is the inventor of the PDF format. However, over the years Adobe Reader has gotten more bloated and bloated and has many security holes (due to a combination of poor Adobe programming and the fact that it is a frequent target of attacks due to its popularity).

As a PDF reader, Adobe Reader is still a viable option and is used by many. However, it is slower and more bloated than all the previous programs we have mentioned. We are only featuring Adobe Reader here as a shout out to the pioneer… and to answer questions of “how does Adobe Reader rank?”

I prefer PDF-XChange too. And now Editor has portable version! And it’s so featured. Amazing! Foxit looks nice but has a lot of bugs, even in simple and useful things.I’ve just checked its new version. So, back to PDF-XChange

AmiyR

Oh yes! I thought Foxit wasn’t good on my computer, but probably it’s common issue. PDF-XChange works better. Just one what I want more from PDF-XChange Editor – I need portable version!

Stephen Hawking (no, not THE Stephen Hawking!)

I’d pick XChange over the others any day, though the review must be very old (or under informed), because the XChange Editor is wayyyy better than the Viewer. Those that prefer Foxit obviously haven’t seen the Editor, Foxit is pretty terrible and doesn’t open MANY of the PDF’s that I need to open, that XChange can.

@melen001: On Febr25, there was only version 7.06…. on their site. How can you talk about 7.0.8.–?! Where did you get it? Thanks.

melen001

The new Foxit Reader V 7.0.8.1216 is much more than just a reader. It now has a reader, virtual printer and writer/creator. It’s faster than Adobe Acrobat and much lighter. I downloaded from the Foxit site and there was no added software or adware included during the installation. I have set Foxit as my default PDF reader and it has performed flawlessly… give it a try… enjoy …

[@fkluner] Give us a break. The topic is about pdf READERS. That’s not a pdf reader. A pdf reader sits on your PC and allows you to open and read a pdf with one click – not jump through hoops to send the file to a website.

When comparing different PDF viewers it is very important to compare the visibility (quality) of the PDF on the screen, not only the functions and speed. This is NOT being done in the review, nor in the comments.

I compared both Foxit Reader and PDF X-change Viewer and they are quite different. I compared text, as text shows best how the rendering qualities of the products are:: – at 800% the text in both viewers is presented on the screen at about the same quality. – at about 100% there is a visible better representation of Foxit over PDF X-change – in PDF Foxit the text is much sharper as in PDF X-change!

As reading text is the hard part for our eyes I would happily recommend Foxit over PDF X-change!

Jay

I never liked Foxit Reader and dont even talk about Adobe..

Although not listed, my vote goes to Notable PDF. It’s a PDF viewer that can do everything listed above and more. Cloud-based with unique features, definately matches those stated above.

Rockstring

I like Foxit Reader for its simplicity and I’m finding it even better than CoolUtils PDF Viewer, which I’ve been using for several months

MegaManToo

I didn’t like FoxIt Reader. It seemed to worm its way into everything, wanted to be registered, and had too many buttons, bells, and whistles. If I want obnoxious, I can go with the Free Adobe Reader.

My favorite Free PDF Reader alternative has been and continues to be Sumatra PDF. The portable version of that has been good as well. The Sumatra PDF by default saves your location in each document when you exit so that you don’t have to remember where you left-off reading. Nice.

priti

nice post

Rob (Down Under)

Did we ever find out which version Trev (Down Under) was looking for ? And did we find out if he got it ok ? Rob (Down Under) PS I know that you are all thinking – Since we are both ‘Down Under’, why didn’t I just ring him ?

Besides the benefits described above, Foxit Reader is an unbeatable research and collaboration tool. For anyone who wants to find anything in a PDF, come back to it, and/or share work with others, Foxit offers an unmatched set of highlighting and annotation tools, excellent options for leaving readable comments on a page, and the ability to create unlimited bookmarks. Best of all, Foxit will enable the user to do this on almost any PDF document, whereas Adobe finds some reason to disable their similar (but vastly inferior) functions on 80 – 90 % of documents.

Paris

My vote goes to Sumatra PDF. Super fast to load and easy to use. As stated, if all you need is a PDF reader, then Sumatra is the gold. I’ve tried the others but have come back to Sumatra:)

Hal

I love PDF Xchange been using now for about 4 year…..anything to get adobe off my computer, or at least parts of it….LOL

Tom

[@Trev (Down Under)] No watermark if installed correctly (it’s confusing, I know). Remove with Revo, Try again, but download the “non-commercial” version, and DO NOT enter anything in the reg screen.

Rob (Down Under)

[@Trev (Down Under)] I have only ever had one complaint about PDFXChange viewer, and that is – every time I have to go to their web site to download the free program, I have to give up injecting drugs for at least 48 hours in advance. The reason that I have to do that is to clear my head, so as to increase my chances of downloading the correct program. Were you intending to get the free version of the viewer ? If so then the Lite is not the free version (of the viewer). I started the download of what I believe to be the free version, and copied the link for you –http://www.tracker-software.com/downloads/PDFXVwer.zip?key=748f549de20e0e43b03aa87c33c7a446 Rob PS I hope it is all that it is CRACKed up to be.

Guido

[@thegreenwizard] +10 PDF-XChange Viewer is the best !! Signatures is very simple with the stamp, and you can secure by a password or re print to another pdf file. And i have never seen watermark … ( Are you sure of that Trev (Down Under) ?). Guido

I moved from Foxit to PDF-Xchange Viewer a few years ago; can’t remember now why, but I think it was because Foxit started to bloat up. On the strong recommendations of the early posters here, I installed Nitro a few days ago and have been using it. I still like PDF-Xchange better for my uses, it is more feature rich without feeling cluttered to me, so i will be un-installing Nitro. For PDFs requiring signatures, I use the same method as thegreenwizard. As I recall, I had to apply transparency to my scanned signature before adding it to the Stamps menu. Thanks to William for the review, as well as all the other pertinent posts.

BearPup

[@jayesstee] I know that Firefox has started warning about a lot of plugins lately, primarily as a result of the Java scare. Pleased to say that no such warning appears with the Sumatra plugin. :)

jayesstee

You might want to be aware that my Firefox automatically disabled “Foxit Reader Plugin tor Mozilla” with the message: “! Foxit Reader Plugin for Mozilla is known to be vulnerable. Use with caution.” Noticed it about the time of the Java scare. Nitro is my favourite :=))

Ashraf

[@RealBull][@BearPup] I agree. Excellent review. Thanks William![@V] This is true. However, William’s point is non of the readers aside from Nitro PDF Reader come with a PDF printer built-in. You can couple standalone PDF printers with any of the readers, if desired, not just XChange.

onedeafeye

I use Foxit Portable. That avoids having to watch for crapware, and I don’t recall any nagging about other installs either.

Tom

IMO NitroPro wins hands down. Foxit’s social media features are a huge “con”, along with its incessant ads (yes, I know you can hack around that). PDF X-Change is a cluttered mess, although its simple OCR capability can be helpful. NitroPro’s built-in virtual printer is first-class, and it’s ability to save “flattened” PDFs is unmatched by any free reader AFAIK.

thegreenwizard

I use PDF-Xchange and I digitally sign with my own signature about 12 documents a week. It very easy : you scan your signature and import it into PDF-Xchange (stamp) et voila… For added security I print everything again back to PDF with CutePDF and I have a secure PDF form. I wouldn’t be able to work if I did not have it.

BearPup

I was remiss in not thanking William for his hard work and efforts (even though I disagree with the results). My apologies.

Nice article/review. Because of this article, I’m going to give Foxit a try, again. Thanks for your hard work!

BearPup

As my original comment makes clear, I am a fan of Sumatra, and this review doesn’t change that opinion. What I do feel is “unfair” is that we were asked for our views on the best reader, and not on the best reader plus all these other “features”.

So perhaps reader+ goes to Foxit Reader, etc. But for a straightforward reader, I still think Sumatra is the best.

Ashraf

This article has now been updated by William to include dotTech’s full review on Best Free PDF Reader for Windows. Enjoy, and thx for all the feedback and comments everyone!

snowd

I’d like a pdf reader that I could use to click through all the pages of each pdf in a folder so when it gets to the end of one pdf it opens the next one and goes on to it. I could do that by forming a big pdf of all the smaller ones, but I’d rather keep them separate, so I can add new ones in between the others in the folder without remaking the big pdf.

For those who may have missed it, the free-for-personal-use PDF-XChange Viewer — http://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-viewer — now has OCR (Optical Character Recognition) built in. I’ve tried it on scanned pdf files that don’t already have the text layer with them, so they aren’t word-searchable with most pdf readers, and it seems to do a good job.

Don

michael clyde

@Ashraf: @ ashraf, when i first ran across xchange viewer i was under the ASS-U-M(E)PTION that it was the one and only. okay, maybe that was 27 1/2 years ago so… i did just goooogle for a viewer that could “search for text”, i got 61,300,000 hits, so possibly there is one or two others out there that can perform this greatest of feats. i do stand behind my comment about the printing variables like, scalability, composite view breakdown etc… actually i’m sitting so i’ll sit behind the comment. it does have a built in ocr application with multiple language support

hope that’s the only time i’m wrong today, michael clyde

Mike

PDF-Xchange.

Paul D

It’s probably worthwhile to cross-reference this to a new DotTech article

Adobe Reader is hit with new zero-day attack, avoid immediately to stay safe

Nitro all the way. Although I just tried to update it from v2, and it said “no updates available” that “it IS up to date”. However CNet has version 3, which I downloaded. So the internal updater somehow wasn’t accurate.

I also sometimes use Lightning PDF, but that’s not a free product. Its more of a PDF creator/editor from Avanquest, but it also reads PDFs.

I’d like to uninstall Adobe Reader and do not use it, but I’m not 100% sure what you can uninstall. I seem to have several Adobe programs on my system without it being crystal clear what they all do. “Adobe X” for one example. Adobe AIR? Adobe ARM?

I like to use Sumatra to open PDF files. It’s pretty simple but has all the basic functions that I usually need for .pdf files: read, print, etc. The best thing about it is how quickly it loads! No more having a cup of coffee while waiting for Adobe to load. And it’s open-source freeware and portable.

RealBull

I used to use Nuance PDF. It’s a good free PDF viewer, but I had to leave it for Nitro.

Here is a PDF viewer that seems to have almost all the features that you can ask for. I have no interest to install it, so I’ll leave it up to the reviewers or anyone else who wants to try it out. Be sure to download the FREE version:

@Rob (Down Under): Well I feel Nitro 3 has improved over Nitro 2. It seems lighter to me. I don’t know about it being complex to install, it doesn’t seem like it. The biggest change was it having a plugin for browsers. Yes, I know about that “We’re the only PDF viewer to create PDFs…yap, yap, yap” is a lot of hot air. Using a pretend printer driver is NOT like selecting various images and documents and making a PDF.

I was searching for this answer today as have a new system. I decided to give the Free Nuance PDF Reader a try so it would be great to see it compared to other Free versions.

Rajesh Ghadye

NITRO READER, FREE AND PROVIDE BEST OPTIONS

michael clyde

you can SEARCH for text inside .pdf files with PDF-XChange Viewer. i haven’t seen another that could search. i do a lot of printing of rc aircraft plans and i’m constantly sizing up or down from the original .pdf file and it seems to offer more versatility than any other.

i also like the built-in reading application in adobe Xl

michael clyde

michael clyde

you can SEARCH for text inside .pdf files with PDF-XChange Viewer Free. i haven’t seen another that could search. i do a lot of printing of rc planes plans and i’m constantly sizing up or down and it seems to offer more versatility than any other.

i also like the built-in reading application in adobe Xl

michael clyde

Paul D

@Michael Rainey: It’s not unwanted advertising, it’s the incessant popups offering add-ons (some free, some not) every time the program opens. They may well have stopped doing it now, but it has come too late for me. It turned me off Foxit quite some time ago. I may not be the most demanding user, but Nitro does everything I want and more.

Paul D

@AFPhys: It was a one-off 2 years ago. I don’t keep souvenirs. However, I believe (but I can’t prove) that the document was authored in Acrobat with security features that prevented it from being printed other than thru Adobe Reader. It doesn’t matter how good the alternative printer programs are (and yes, I too have printed barcodes in other readers) if the author has been restrictive with his/her security restrictions.

In fact, I did not say barcodes (plural). I gave one instance where I had to reinstall Adobe Reader. I think I was still using Foxit at the time, but I don’t believe it was a Foxit problem.

Rob (Down Under)

@Jeanjean: Good, if you have managed to update via their web site, then I am happy to leave the ‘Live Update’ problem unsolved. Rob PS I updated my Foxit, and downloaded their Manual, and opened it in both Foxit and PDF-XChange. I give the tick of approval on that test to PDF-XChange, as using F11 to go Full Screen, remembers that I like ‘fit to width’ But OTHERWISE Foxit is not bad. When I next need to do some highlighting and commenting, I will compare the two programs again.

Jeanjean

@ Rob

PDF-XChange run just fine even after the problem with LiveUpdate. I have no proxy. The last screen before the error message is the download request for the update of…LiveUpdate. To update PDF-XChange itself, i must go on their site and download the last version.

AFPhys

@Paul D: I hope that you will provide the reviewer a copy of this problem file (or link to it, or a better description) so these programs can be properly compared. I have seen barcodes rendered properly on Foxit.

Michael Rainey

Foxit gets my vote. It is bigger than it used to be, but still quite fast and feature-rich.

I haven’t noticed any unwanted advertising when running Foxit.

Tom

Nitro 3 Reader for all the reasons offered by RealBull, and for its ability to “flatten” forms. And its virtual PDF printer is a nice bonus!

I’ve completely weaned myself from PDF X-Change, which in my opinion is #2.

Rob (Down Under)

@Jeanjean: Perchance do you have PDF-XChange running ? I did not have it running when I ran the Start Menu’s Live update. If that is not the problem, what is the last healthy screen (dialog) that you see, prior to the action that triggers the error ? Also do you have a proxy ? I am unsure whether my internet is via a proxy, but I just chose to tell it not to use the proxy.

Jeanjean

@ Rob Thanks for details. I just try again the LiveUpdate via the start Menu. Message : “LiveUpdate must be first update (every time)”. I agree, the program is downloaded. Then during the install, i receive an error message and Live Update PDF-XChange must be closed ! (XP-sp3)

Rob (Down Under)

@RealBull: I suppose this is the page to raise possible concerns regarding suggested PDf readers ? I found that I have Nitro reader 2 on my PC. Tried auto update, but that failed. Uninstalled it, which took a long time. Is it a bit like a Goa’uld ? Which semi relatedly, brings me to my next question. It pats itself on the back for being the only free reader to create PDF’s. However digging deeper it does that by doing the old pretend printer that can be printed to a PDF file(instead of the printer). Nothing wrong with that concept, as I use DoPDF to do that same function. If I did install Nitro reader 3, is it going to be a fairly complex install, and is the ‘print to PDF’ going to be threaded into that install ? (And possibly confuse DoPDF or confuse me ?) Is it going to be a Goa’uld ? Rob PS Ashraf does the red underline spell checker only work (or work better) in the Edit page, rather than in the posting page. I am fairly sure it does more underlining in the edit page ?

Rob (Down Under)

@RealBull: I just had their compare products page open. You are correct, both functions are listed, and marked as not being available for the free version

RealBull

For me, I need Nitro PDF viewer because I need that digital signer and the image extractor. I believe PDF-Xchange and Foxit don’t have those functions (last time I checked, they didn’t. Correct me if I’m wrong now). Adobe has a digital signer, but it lacks in other tools. In addition, Nitro has other tools, too such as typing, markups, notes, create PDF and convert to text. And to top it all off, it is very light and fast.

Rob (Down Under)

@Jeanjean: Regarding Live Update, It worked for me This is the About info which I reckon is up to date now – Version 2.5 (Build 209.0) (Feb 8 2013) Rob PS Nobody answered and Google did not help, so took a punt, and tried using the default (Pro). It said invalid something, and I then ticked the Free option, and it installed Fine.

Rob (Down Under)

PDF_XChange Viewer as it has always worked, and I can do mark ups Rob PS Because of Jeanjean’s post 32 – I tried the Live update (From the Start Menu shortcuts). It appears to be working fine (I did not tick use Proxy). It then shows a dialog which has the Pro version ticked but has FREEVERSION in the Serial key textbox. OR SHOULD I instead tick the Free Version which says – Free Version – Password = Trial I was a Business/Systems Analyst for 20 years, and I cannot analyze that.

PDF-XChange Viewer is my standard. It only failed me once, under the same circumstances njwood60 mentioned earlier; submitting an interactive form, but that was once in the last 4 years or so that I have been using it.

Jim Carter

@Paul D: You would be assuming incorrectly. Our customers are loyal and very communicative. If they have problems, they aren’t shy about sharing them. Your “spam” remark doesn’t even make sense.

@njwood60: Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and use Adobe Reader. I once bought an event ticket online. It arrived as a PDF including a barcode. Nothing but Adobe Reader would print the barcode correctly (I tried quite a few, believe me), and the barcode was what got you admission to the event. Let’s face it, Adobe owns the PDF format, so they’ll always have the inside running.

But that one instance aside, Sumatra and Nitro cover all my needs.

Dee

I agree with Mongoplus….. Nitro PDF Reader is the best. I’ve tried almost all of them.

Bub

As others have said, Sumatra and PDF-XChange are both very good (I use PDF-XChange, myself), whereas FoxIt and Adobe have turned into bloatware.

Mongoplus

Wow!! No mention of Nitro PDF Reader. I use to use PDF-XChange when Nitro PDF put out their reader.

It comes packed with a virtual printer. You can do mark ups and much more.

@Jim Carter: From which I assume you install it and walk away, leaving the customer to deal with updates, upgrades, spam additions etc

Sure, it works, but it’s a dog to maintain.

Jim Carter

I’ve installed Foxit Reader several hundred times for our customers. In almost every case it was a substitute for Adobe Reader. I’ve never seen it fail to open a PDF or produce an error message.

Godel

Sumatra. I used to use Adobe, then Foxit when I found out how bloated and bug ridden Adobe had become.

I got sick of having to set up Foxit the way I liked it after every upgrade. Surely they would have had enough brains to save your setting during an upgrade? Eventually some feature I liked couldn’t be set up properly in Foxit’s toolbars and I junked it.

If you just want a reader, Sumatra is very small and very fast and does the basic job well.

I used to be able to autoscroll with Nuance PDF Reader…which was very useful with songs – but I can’t seem to do that, now.

Can you autoscroll with PDF-XChange viewer?

corno

I have tried quite a few of them (Sumatra, Foxit, STDU, and, yes, Adobe too), but PDF-XChange viewer I liked best. It has been my default PDF viewer over the last two years. Second comes Adobe, which, however is more heavy on resources (though not as much as five years ago) and a bit of security risk.

Me too… PDF-XChange Viewer stands out. Have used it for years, after trying almost every other one mentioned so far.

I’ve gotten responsive, friendly “customer” service too when I had questions.

Paul D

It depends on what you want.

I have Sumatra and Nitro installed. Sumatra is my default because it is a small, lightweight and blazingly fast READER. But that’s all it is. If I want to do anything more advanced I use Nitro.

Foxit used to be the best. But over the years they kept adding “features” to it, some useful, some not, some free, some not. I got heartily sick of being offered “upgrades” every time it opened. Now it’s nearly as big and clunky as Adobe Reader.

Seamus McSeamus

My personal favorite is PDF-XChange Viewer.

William

I like PDF-XChange viewer from http://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-viewer I have been using it for years to annotate for my own or others use (highlight, circles, boxes, text notes, etc.). Recently I’ve used the OCR function, which is very handy for scanned images of documents.